Forensic Engineering Investigation Of Lumber Temporary Guardrails

Abstract

During Intermediate Stages Of Building Construction, Temporary Guardrails Are Required For Unfinished Openings On Balconies, Decks, Elevated Walkways, Pits, And Excavations. Osha Requires That These Temporary Guardrails Be Able To Withstand 200 Pounds Of Load, But Does Not Specify Guardrail Mounting Methods. A Forensic Case Involved Failure Of A 2x4 Lumber Guardrail Nailed To A Wood-Frame Building, Where It Was Alleged That The Mounting Method Was Inadequate. Full-Scale Testing Was Conducted To Analyze The Adequacy Of This Fastening Method And Its Reliability When Subjected To The Repeated Removal And Replacement That Commonly Occurs On Worksites.